Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, which—like many areas of the United States—has experienced an increase in opioid use and opioid-related deaths since the late 1990s. Because of its close proximity to key distribution centers in New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey is a key drug shipment point, which creates a significant public health threat in the state.
Following are some additional facts about drug use in Hoboken and Hudson County:1, 2, 3
In 2020, treatment centers in Hudson County saw 3,936 total admissions.
People seeking help for addiction in Hudson County most often entered into outpatient programs (25%), followed closely by long-term inpatient programs (23%). Other forms of treatment programs in Hudson County included opioid maintenance programs, intensive outpatient programs, short-term residential programs, and detox residential programs.
Most Hudson residents that were admitted to treatment centers were between the ages of 25-29.
The rate of drug-related crimes in Hoboken is higher than the national average. Hoboken experiences an average of 4.02 drug-related crimes per 1,000 residents per year.
Levels of Substance Abuse Care
Multiple levels of care are available for addiction treatment. Some New Jersey residents move through each of these levels of treatment, while others need only the least intensive care.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Detox is completed under medical supervision in a hospital, inpatient, or outpatient setting. This is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. Once detox is complete, you can move forward with other treatment services.
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment, involves living at a treatment facility to receive 24/7 care. Services usually include individual and group therapy, medication, recreational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow New Jersey residents to live at home while receiving treatment through a hospital. This program usually provides the same treatment services as inpatient care, but you can return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are a step down from PHPs, allowing you to attend a few hours of counseling each week while living at home. This provides time to maintain a work schedule or fulfill other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient programs involve just one to two hours of treatment per week. This level of treatment involves the least supervision and is appropriate for highly motivated people who have a strong support system.
Aftercare
Also known as relapse prevention, aftercare starts once your rehab program is complete. It includes ongoing support such as 12-step programs, sober living homes, and therapy.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Hoboken, New Jersey
New Jersey Medicare
New Jersey Medicare provides health insurance to New Jersey residents who are 65 or older or have certain other health conditions. You are automatically enrolled in this program at age 65 if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board retirement benefits.
Many Medicare options are available in New Jersey that go beyond basic coverage, such as Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap plans. The New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free help with questions regarding Medicare benefits and policies. Not all treatment centers accept Medicare insurance coverage, so always do your research before choosing a provider.
New Jersey Medicaid
New Jersey’s Medicaid program provides health insurance to New Jersey residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, to pregnant women, and to parents/caretakers and dependent children. To be eligible for New Jersey Medicaid, a person must be a resident of New Jersey, be a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien, and meet specific standards for financial income. You must apply for Medicaid coverage in New Jersey, and the rehab program must accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs assist New Jersey residents who have limited financial resources to pay for treatment. You will be charged based on what you can reasonably afford to pay. To qualify for a sliding scale rehab in New Jersey, you typically need to provide proof of income.
TRICARE in New Jersey
New Jersey TRICARE (East region) is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE covers addiction treatment services; however, various plans differ in their coverage.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (HIS) funds addiction treatment for Indigenous people and Alaskan Natives in New Jersey and nationwide. This coverage is provided even if other insurance payment is available.
Traveling to and Within Hoboken, New Jersey
If you are considering rehab in Hoboken or planning to visit someone in a Hoboken treatment program, you will find Hoboken is easy to travel to and offers many attractions, in addition to being so close to New York City:
- Hoboken is close to several airports, including JFK, La Guardia, Newark, and New York Skyports Seaplane Base.
- For those flying into New York, Hoboken is easy to get to via bus, subway, or taxi.
- Hoboken is close to many major New York landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
- Hoboken is easily walkable and has a historic waterfront that ranks among the top 10 urban parks in the nation.
New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Laws
New Jersey policy makers have established the following laws related to substance misuse1,2,3,4,5
New Jersey Good Samaritan Law: New Jersey’s Overdose Prevention Act provides protection from criminal prosecution for New Jersey residents who report or seek help for suspected overdose on illegal drugs. The law encourages people to call 911 immediately, without fear of legal repercussions.
New Jersey Driving or Operating Under the Influence Laws: Under New Jersey Law, if an offender’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is between 0.08 and 0.10, the penalties are a fine of $250-$400, imprisonment for up to 30 days, driver’s license forfeiture until ignition interlock is installed (required for 3 months), a minimum of six hours a day for two days in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years. Penalties increase for higher BACs and repeated offenses.
New Jersey Naloxone Blank Standing Orders: This law allows adults 21 years or older to use, purchase, and carry cannabis. Recreational users can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis, but the law does not permit personal growing of the plant.
New Jersey Drug Courts: This program offers non-violent drug offenders an alternative to prison. New Jersey residents convicted of a drug-related crime may be eligible to complete a supervised drug or alcohol treatment program instead of serving jail time.
Resources
- Office of Planning, Research, Evaluation, Prevention and Olmstead. (2021, August). Substance Abuse Overview 2020 Hudson County.
- Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021, March). 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment. US Department of Justice.
- Crimegrade.org. (n.d.). Hoboken, NJ Drug-Related Crime Rates and Maps.